The Happiest Place on Earth

After years and years of watching Disneyland commercials and promises from parents that they would eventually go to Disneyland...we made the plung as a family.  Oh, not just the Daniel and Mary Rae family, BUT the Alan and Ramona Rae family.  That includes Grandma and Grandpa, 9 sibling (with spouses), and a heard of children (16...and one on the way...I think).  You would think it was a nightmare, but it wasn't at all.  It turned out great.  I took way less pictures than I thought.  I guess I just enjoyed our time together

Just outside the gates in downtown disney.  We are pictures with an extra child and an 1/8.  Although Garrett and Carter were with either us or Jenn and Payton the entire time.  They rode every ride together!

Yeah!  We are finally inside!

14 Grandchildren in one picture.  It is truly amazing.  We are missing Jake and Brittany's little girls. 

There is some excitement!

Chase's favorite ride, Buzz Lightyear! 

A Long Awaited Visit

My best friend Kelli and I live miles away. It doesn't stop us though. We still talk to each other a least 4 times per week. Most of the time when you move a long distance slowly you loose touch with each other. Not us! She is stuck with me for life.

In 2009 Kelli found out she was pregnant. I vowed I would be at the birth, but I wasn't able to keep my promise. I had a great excuse. I was pregnant only 3 weeks after. It was nice to be pregnant with my bff. We could over eat together, get fat together, go shopping for maternity clothes together, and complain to a sympathetic ear. We even met up in Vegas for a girls weekend, but since then we hadn't had the opportunity to meet each others newest addition.

In February we remedied that! I got to meet her Jason, and she got to meet my Taylor. The two babies were instant friends...kinda...all it took was one soda to share...and share they did.

See how cute they are!  They even shared pacifiers.  (I know...kinda gross but whatever)  Kelli and I did all sorts of crafts together.  Her dining room table was a mess of ribbon and fabric. 

We also made these matching pillowcase dresses for our girls.  Abby was pretty excited about all of the crafting.  Taylor...well...lets just say...she has had quieter weeks.  She was naughty!  This face...was permanent the entire time I was there.

Thanks for having us Kelli.

As requested

Elder Rae

One of Daniel's cousins served his mission in the same exact missions Daniel went to. His brother, Elder Rae, is serving in the Tempe, Arizona Mission! He has been here 18 months. We have talked about trying to see him since he arrived, but we never made it work. The missionaries serving in our ward hooked him up with our number, and he gave us a call right away.

We were able to take Elder Rae and his companion to lunch! It was great. I love the example he set for my young boys. He was and his companion were so great with them. It was his companions first time to eat in a restaurant in 7 1/2 months!

Here is proof for us and his family that he is alive and doing well...in the back seat of our van.

Carter started Cub Scouts. I was nervous to add one more thing to the weekly routine. He already has such a busy schedule! Some days after school he is only home long enough to practice the piano and do his homework. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints we have the priveledge of having church troops. Most boys participate, so how could he not? Carter couldn't wait to start. He begged me to sew on those pesky patches...which...I only iron on...and they came off. Now I have to do it again :( However, look how happy he is.

Carter earned his bobcat.

Oh, and who can begrudge the pinewood derby? It is a an adrenaline rush for the entire family...at least our. Carter came in third place! There were many smiles...all around!

Carter may be making life a little busy, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. He is so well rounded. I can tell I do not have many years left with him as my little boy, and the years I do have left will go quickly. I am going to enjoy him while it lasts!

Bugs Musical

Carter has a lot going on right now.  I know I have other children, but it seem life to revolved around the oldest one...which is fine by me...he is lovable!

The 2nd grade at Carter's school performed a musical  BUGS

 Carter was an army ant.  Bad pic...I know

1/1/11 and 1:11 pm

It is GREAT to be EIGHT!

January 1st was a wonderful day for our family. Carter chose to be baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Carter has a special spirit.  He is sensitive to the promptings of the spirit.  Most of the time he tried to put others before himself.  His baptist was held in St. George, UT.  Most of our families were able to attend.  

 On the way there we hit a snowstorm!  Only people who live in the Valley of the Sun get excited about this.

 Carter and his Daddy

The family

Thanks for being a good example Carter!